MCKINZIE, EDWIN E., one of the most successful and reliable builders and contractors of Beardstown, Cass County, has executed contracts upon some of the finest buildings within its borders, making Beardstown his headquarters. He was born in Susquehanna County, Pa., May 25, 1858, a son of George and Mary S. (Bertholf) McKinzie, he born in New York and she in New Jersey. The father was a carpenter and after his marriage moved to Pennsylvania and worked at his trade for a time in that state, but in 1865 he came to Schuyler County, Ill., where, at Rushville, he found plenty of employment. Later, he went on a farm in the same county, and after farming for a number of years, moved to Beardstown and took up the building business again, and followed the same until well advanced in years. He died in Brookfield, Mo., at the home of his son, W. C. McKinzie. The mother died at the same place in 1913. Their children were as follows: William C., who is of Quincy, Ill.; Edwin E.; James Delos, who died at the age of nine years; Carrie, who died in infancy; Nellie, who is Mrs. J. B. Roach, of Beardstown, Ill.; and Eva, who is of Brookfield, MO.

Edwin E. McKinzie attended the Rushville public schools and was taught the carpenter trade by his father. Until 1881, he resided with his parents, but in that year began farming for himself, followed this occupation for a few years, later moved to Beardstown, and worked as a carpenter until he branched out as a contractor and builder. Some of his contracts have been: The E. H. Kinney, the Smith and the Jones residences, and many others at Beardstown and throughout Cass County as well as in Schuyler County, and he gives employment to from four to fifteen men according to the season.

In October, 1881, Mr. McKinzie was married to Mary Agnes Wilmot, born in Schuyler County, Ill., and died in August, 1905. She was a daughter of Mott and Dorcas (Harding) Wilmot. Mr. and Mrs. McKinzie became the parents of the following children: Carrie Alice, who is Mrs. P. M. Green, of Beardstown, Ill.; Warren George, who is of Beardstown; Ethel D., who is at home; Oak Oral, who is of Beaumont, Tex.; and Maud V., who is Mrs. L. R. Blohm, of Clinton, Ill.; In January, 1907, Mr. McKinzie was married to Cora Bell Sexton, who was born in Schuyler County.

Mr. McKinzie is very prominent in the Methodist church, in which he has served as steward since 1900 and during the same period he has been a chorister, singing, it has been said, at more funerals than any other man at Beardstown. For a number of years he has been a teacher in the Sunday school, and was treasurer of it for twelve years, and assistant to the secretary. Being a man of advanced views with regard to temperance, he has cast his vote for the candidates of the Prohibition ticket for many years, but never has held office. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Knights of Pythias, both of Beardstown.